ONCE we leave the feathered nest within the European Union, assuming we actually do lift our wings in metaphorical flight, the question of the day seems to be whether or not we will survive and thrive in our refreshed relationship with the entire world, including continental Europe.

I certainly believe we can and will.

However, as with most changes of significance in societies, initially some will win, some will lose, but more than likely for most of us life will carry on as usual. Incidentally, that is also what typically happens when nothing changes. It is the phenomenon called life.

So, how should we view the coming of Brexit - with alarm and fear, or with confidence and determination?

At this moment I see some similarities to the mood of many as Millennium 2000 was approaching, with dire predictions by some that worldwide computer systems would collapse, bringing chaos and mayhem to our daily lives. If you need reminding, some of the apprehensive brigade in 1999 engaged in the hoarding of food and medicines as is happening today.

When the clock struck 2000, everyone took a deep breath, checked their devices for connectivity, embraced their nearest and dearest, and then carried on as before, with hope for a better year ahead. What a disappointment that must have been for the scare-mongers, an outcome in which all of their greatest fears were not to be realised.

I suspect that is what will happen on March 29, 2019, the date by which we are scheduled to recapture our independence.

To our benefit, we will be allowed to once again enter into distinctive trade agreements with whichever countries we wish on mutually beneficial terms, restore the accountability to us by our elected representatives in government, and have greater control of our borders and immigration regulations during these perilous times.

I am certainly not suggesting perfection or that we will flourish without having to work hard in a very competitive world, but I do believe we are more than up to the job, even if some of those in our political class do not share that optimism.

Call to mind that we are a nation which successfully met the greatest challenges ever to the free world just last century, as well as one which, over time, has uniquely forged lasting and largely sound relationships with many other nations around the globe, more so than any other country.

Our form of democracy has often been a blueprint for other countries who have embraced freedom; our language is rapidly becoming the language of the modern world; our overall culture, including a sense of fair play, is much admired.

Let us not be afraid to voice these simple truths, enabling us to negotiate with the EU from a position of strength. A harmonious departure is still possible if we are treated with respect instead of contempt.

That said, we were emphatically warned by the former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis that negotiating with European Union representatives was a mission impossible. We shall see what we see, but in the meantime we must prepare for all eventualities.

Ira Fishman

Sedgwick